Racket handle of ergonomic character, a racket, and corresponding ranges of handles and of rackets

ABSTRACT

The handle ( 2 ) has at least a first bulb ( 10 ) defined by a first constriction (E 1 ), a thickening (R 1 ), and another constriction (E 2 ), the first bulb presenting a section that is octagonal at all points, being defined by a rectangle truncated by four chamfers, the transverse dimensions of the first bulb increasing substantially continuously from each constriction (E 1 , E 2 ) going towards the thickening (R 1 ), the transverse dimensions of the bulb being as follows:
         A E1  lies in the range 31.25 mm to 33.25 mm;   B E1  lies in the range 27 mm to 29 mm;   C E1  lies in the range 8 mm to 14 mm;   A R1  lies in the range 34.5 mm to 36.5 mm;   B R1  lies in the range 30 mm to 32 mm;   C R1  lies in the range 10 mm to 16 mm;   A E2  lies in the range 30.5 mm to 32.5 mm;   B E2  lies in the range 26.5 mm to 28.5 mm; and   C E2  lies in the range 8 mm to 14 mm.

The present invention relates to a racket handle, to a racket including such a handle, to a range of handles including the said handle, and to a range of rackets including the said racket.

The handle of the invention is suitable for being used in any type of racket sport, in particular in tennis, badminton, or indeed squash. In conventional manner, such a racket comprises, in addition to the said handle, a frame that defines either stringing for badminton, tennis, or squash, or a solid striking surface.

Usually, a racket handle has a section that is polygonal, most often octagonal, of transverse dimensions that are constant along the handle. Consequently, this implies a drawback insofar as the shape of the handle is not ergonomic, given that it does not correspond to the curvature of the palm of the hand.

Consequently, various solutions have been proposed for conferring a more ergonomic character to such a handle.

Thus, EP-B-0 291 576 describes a racket handle that, in the region for the hand, possesses a section that is rounded without edges, and that presents a thickening of larger transverse size. At both of its ends, the edge-free zone transforms into touch zones of polygonal section.

Nevertheless, such a handle implies a drawback associated in particular with the fact that it does not allow for very great precision in playing. Because of the presence of the rounded section, a player cannot adapt the position of the hand with great precision in order to play different types of shot, such as in particular a forehand shot or a backhand shot.

Furthermore, WO-A-2004/112915 proposes a racket handle presenting an S-shape that is adapted to the characteristics of a human hand. According to the teaching of that document, the different values for the cross-section of the handle are taken directly from the dimensions of the hand of the player. However, given that by definition such dimensions vary from one player to another, that document provides no precise teaching concerning the shape that should actually be given to the handle.

That said, the invention seeks to propose a racket handle that enables the various above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art to be remedied. The invention seeks in particular to propose such a handle that, while being ergonomic in satisfactory manner, ensures great precision for the player, in particular when changing grip on the racket.

To this end, the invention provides a tennis racket handle having at least a first bulb defined by a first constriction or “end” constriction located towards the free end of the handle, a first thickening, and another constriction or “middle” constriction, said first bulb presenting a section that is octagonal at all points, being defined by a rectangle truncated by four chamfers oriented in particular at 45° relative to the size of said rectangle, the transverse dimensions of the first bulb increasing in substantially continuous manner from each constriction going towards the thickening, the transverse dimensions of the first bulb being as follows, where A and B are respectively the length and the width of said rectangle, and C is the length of each chamfer, A, B, and C being taken respectively at the first constriction, at the first thickening, and at the second constriction:

-   -   A_(E1) lies in the range 31.25 millimeters (mm) to 33.25 mm;     -   B_(E1) lies in the range 27 mm to 29 mm;     -   C_(E1) lies in the range 8 mm to 14 mm;     -   A_(R1) lies in the range 34.5 mm to 36.5 mm;     -   B_(R1) lies in the range 30 mm to 32 mm;     -   C_(R1) lies in the range 10 mm to 16 mm;     -   A_(E2) lies in the range 30.5 mm to 32.5 mm;     -   B_(E2) lies in the range 26.5 mm to 28.5 mm; and     -   C_(E2) lies in the range 8 mm to 14 mm.

According to other characteristics of the invention:

-   -   A_(E1) lies in the range 31.75 mm to 32.75 mm, advantageously in         the range 32.15 mm to 32.35 mm, and in particular is equal to         32.25 mm;     -   B_(E1) lies in the range 27.5 mm to 28.5 mm, advantageously in         the range 27.9 mm to 28.1 mm, and in particular is equal to 28         mm;     -   C_(E1) lies in the range 9 mm to 13 mm, advantageously in the         range 9.75 mm to 12.3 mm, and in particular is equal to 11 mm;     -   A_(R1) lies in the range 35 mm to 36 mm, advantageously in the         range 35.4 mm to 35.6 mm, and in particular is equal to 35.5 mm;     -   B_(R1) lies in the range 30.5 mm to 31.5 mm, advantageously in         the range 30.9 mm to 31.1 mm, and in particular is equal to 31         mm;     -   C_(R1) lies in the range 11 mm to 14.75 mm, advantageously in         the range 11.5 mm to 14.25 mm, and in particular is equal to 13         mm;     -   A_(E2) lies in the range 31 mm to 32 mm, advantageously in the         range 31.4 mm to 31.6 mm, and in particular is equal to 31.5 mm;     -   B_(E2) lies in the range 27 mm to 28 mm, advantageously in the         range 27.4 mm to 27.6 mm, and in particular is equal to 27.5 mm;     -   C_(E2) lies in the range 9 mm to 13 mm, advantageously in the         range 9.4 mm to 12 mm, and in particular is equal to 10.7 mm;     -   the outside surface of said handle at each constriction and at         the thickening defines three tangents parallel to the main axis         of the handle;     -   the distance measured along the main axis of the handle between         the end constriction and the first thickening lies in the range         25 mm to 50 mm, preferably in the range 30 mm to 40 mm, more         preferably in the range 34 mm to 36 mm, and in particular is         equal to 35 mm;     -   the distance taken along the main axis of the handle between the         first thickening and the middle constriction lies in the range         35 mm to 60 mm, preferably in the range 45 mm to 55 mm, more         preferably in the range 49 mm to 51 mm, and in particular is         equal to 50 mm;     -   the handle includes a second bulb defined by said middle         constriction, a second thickening, and a connection constriction         opposite from the end constriction, the second bulb presenting a         cross-section that is octagonal at all points, of dimensions         that vary substantially continuously from the middle         constriction to the second thickening, the transverse dimensions         of said handle, at the other thickening being identical to those         of said handle at the first thickening; and     -   the distance measured along the main axis of the handle between         the middle constriction and the second thickening lies in the         range 20 mm to 70 mm, preferably in the range 40 mm to 50 mm,         more preferably in the range 44 mm to 46 mm, and in particular         is equal to 45 mm.

The invention also provides a racket, in particular a tennis, badminton, or squash racket including a handle as defined above.

The invention also provides a range of racket handles including a handle as defined above, referred to as a standard handle, together with n handle(s), where n is greater than or equal to 1, each presenting transverse dimensions smaller than those of said standard handle, and also at least m handle(s) where m is greater than or equal to 1, each presenting transverse dimensions greater than those of said standard handle, the transverse dimensions of each handle of smaller size being defined, for each integer −i in the range 1 to n, being defined by:

-   -   A_(E1)(−i)=A_(E1)−iA′;     -   B_(E1)(−i)=B_(E1)−iB′;     -   C_(E1)(−i)=C_(E1)−iC′;     -   A_(R1)(−i)=A_(R1)−iA′;     -   B_(R1)(−i)=B_(R1)−iB′;     -   C_(R1)(−i)=C_(R1)−iC′;     -   A_(E2)(−i)=A_(E2)−iA′;     -   B_(E2)(−i)=B_(E2)−iB′; and     -   C_(E2)(−i)=C_(E2)−iC′;         and in which the transverse dimensions of each handle of greater         size, for each integer j in the range 1 to m, are defined by:     -   A_(E1)(+j)=A_(E1)+jA′;     -   B_(E1)(+j)=B_(E1)+jB′;     -   C_(E1)(+j)=C_(E1)+jC′;     -   A_(R1)(+j)=A_(R1)+jA′;     -   B_(R1)(+j)=B_(R1)+jB′;     -   C_(R1)(+j)=C_(R1)+jC′;     -   A_(E2)(+j)=A_(E2)+jA′;     -   B_(E2)(+j)=B_(E2)+jB′; and     -   C_(E2)(+j)=C_(E2)+jC′;         where A′ and B′ lie in the range 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and where C′         lies in the range 0.25 mm to 1 mm.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention:

A′ lies in the range 1 mm to 1.3 mm, and in particular is equal to 1.15 mm;

B′ lies in the range 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm, and in particular is equal to 1.0 mm; and

C′ lies in the range 0.55 mm to 0.75 mm, and in particular is equal to 0.65 mm.

Finally, the invention provides a range of rackets, each having a corresponding handle belonging to the range of handles as defined above.

The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings given purely by way of non-limiting example and in which:

FIG. 1 is a face view showing a tennis racket in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a face view on a larger scale showing the handle fitted to the FIG. 1 racket; and

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are cross-section views on lines III-III, IV-IV, and V-V in FIG. 2.

The racket shown in FIG. 1, which in this example is a tennis racket, comprises firstly a handle 2 suitable for being surrounded by a covering strip (not shown), also known as a “grip”. This handle 2 is extended by a frame 4 having stringing 6 mounted tightly therein. Nevertheless, the invention is also applicable to other rackets, in which the stringing 6 is replaced by a striking surface that is solid and rigid.

FIG. 2 et seq. show more precisely the shape and the dimensions of the handle 2. Below, these dimensions relate to the handle when bare, i.e. when not fitted with the above-mentioned covering strip.

The handle 2 comprises firstly an end butt 8 of known type that is extended by a first bulb, given overall reference 10. The bulb is defined between two constrictions, i.e. zones of smaller transverse size, and also by an intermediate thickening, i.e. a zone of greater transverse size. Thus, E₁ designates the end constriction, adjacent to the butt 8, E₂ the middle constriction, remote from the butt 8, and R₁ the above-mentioned thickening.

At all points of this first bulb 10, the cross-section of the handle 2 is octagonal in shape, as shown in FIG. 3, which is a section view level with the constriction E₁. More precisely, the octagon is defined by a rectangle 12 of length A_(E1) and width B_(E1), which rectangle is truncated by four chamfers 14, of length written C_(E1).

In the example shown, the chamfers 14 are oriented at 45° relative to the size of the rectangle 1. Furthermore, the four chamfers 14 present lengths that are identical, it being understood that they may vary by a few percent from one chamfer to another. In analogous manner, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the characteristic dimensions of the handle level with the thickening R₁ are written A_(R1), B_(R1), and C_(R1), and at the other constriction E₂ the characteristic dimensions of the handle are written A_(E2), B_(E2), and C_(E2).

The transverse size of the handle 2 increases in substantially continuous manner from the constriction E₁ going towards the thickening R₁. This means that there may possibly exist a region of the handle in which the transverse size is substantially constant. In analogous manner, the transverse size of the handle decreases in substantially continuous manner going from the thickening R₁ towards the constriction E₂. Finally, it should be observed that the profile of the handle, in face view, defines three tangents referenced T₁, T₂, and T₃, one each at each of the constrictions and at the thickening.

The dimensions of the handle, at the constriction E₁ (FIG. 3), are as follows:

-   -   A_(E1) lies in the range 31.25 mm to 33.25 mm, preferably in the         range 31.75 mm to 32.75 mm, more preferably in the range 32.15         mm to 32.35 mm, and in particular is equal to 32.25 mm;     -   B_(E1) lies in the range 27 mm to 29 mm, preferably in the range         27.5 mm to 28.5 mm, more preferably in the range 27.9 mm to 28.1         mm, and in particular is equal to 28 mm; and     -   C_(E1) lies in the range 8 mm to 14 mm, preferably in the range         9 mm to 13 mm, more preferably in the range 9.75 mm to 12.3 mm,         and in particular is equal to 11 mm.

The dimensions of the handle, at the constriction R₁ (FIG. 4), are as follows:

-   -   A_(R1) lies in the range 34.5 mm to 36.5 mm, preferably in the         range 35 mm to 36 mm, more preferably in the range 35.4 mm to         35.6 mm, and in particular is equal to 35.5 mm;     -   B_(R1) lies in the range 30 mm to 32 mm, preferably in the range         30.5 mm to 31.5 mm, more preferably in the range 30.9 mm to 31.1         mm, and in particular is equal to 31 mm; and     -   C_(R1) lies in the range 10 mm to 16 mm, preferably in the range         11 mm to 14.75 mm, more preferably in the range 11.5 mm to 14.25         mm, and in particular is equal to 13 mm.

The dimensions of the handle, at the constriction E₂ (FIG. 5), are as follows:

-   -   A_(E2) lies in the range 30.5 mm to 32.5 mm, preferably in the         range 31 mm to 32 mm, more preferably in the range 31.4 mm to         31.6 mm, and in particular is equal to 31.5 mm;     -   B_(E2) lies in the range 26.5 mm to 28.5 mm, preferably in the         range 27 mm to 28 mm, more preferably in the range 27.4 mm to         27.6 mm, and in particular is equal to 27.5 mm; and     -   C_(E2) lies in the range 8 mm to 14 mm, preferably in the range         9 mm to 13 mm, more preferably in the range 9.4 mm to 12 mm, and         in particular is equal to 10.7 mm.

Furthermore, the distances measured along the main axis X-X of the handle 2 firstly between the constriction E₁ and the thickening R₁ and secondly between the thickening R₁ and the other constriction E₂ are written l₁ and l₂.

Under such conditions, l₁ lies in the range 25 mm to 50 mm, preferably in the range 30 mm to 40 mm, more preferably in the range 34 mm to 36 mm, and in particular is equal to 35 mm. Furthermore, l₂ lies in the range 35 mm to 60 mm, preferably in the range 45 mm to 55 mm, more preferably in the range 49 mm to 51 mm, and in particular is equal to 50 mm.

Advantageously, the first bulb 10 is extended by a second bulb 20 which is defined by the above-mentioned middle constriction E₂, a second thickening R₂, and a third constriction E₃, whereby the handle 2 is connected to the frame 4. In a manner analogous to that explained for the bulb 10, the second bulb 20 presents a cross-section that is octagonal, having dimensions that vary substantially continuously from the constriction E₂ towards the thickening R₂, and then decrease substantially continuously from the second thickening R₂ towards the connecting constriction E₃.

The dimensions of the handle in the vicinity of the second thickening R₂ are substantially identical to those that apply to the first thickening R₁, as defined above. Furthermore, the dimensions of the connection constriction E₃ are more or less equal to those of the end constriction E₁, likewise presented above.

Finally, the length l₃ corresponding to the distance along the axis X-X between the constriction E₂ and the thickening R₂ lies in the range 20 mm to 70 mm, preferably in the range 40 mm to 50 mm, more preferably in the range 44 mm to 46 mm, and in particular is equal to 45 mm. Furthermore, the distance between the thickening R₂ and the connection constriction E₃ advantageously lies in the range 20 mm to 70 mm.

The invention also provides a range of handles, of dimensions that are determined on the basis of the handle 2 described above. The handle 2 having the dimensional characteristics as presented above, is referred to as a “standard” handle or a “0” handle in order to clarify the present description. Nevertheless it should be observed that this “standard” handle corresponds to a handle commonly given the number 3 in the racket sports industry, i.e. the handle that is suitable for the largest number of users.

With reference initially to a handle of size “−1”, i.e. the next size smaller than the “standard” size mentioned above, the handle of size “−1” has the same general shape as the handle 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, i.e. it possesses two successive bulbs. The dimensions of the handle of size “−1” at the end constriction E₁ are written A_(E1)(−1), B_(E1)(−1), and C_(E1)(−1), the dimensions of this “−1” handle at the thickening R₁ are written A_(R1)(−1), B_(R1)(−1), and C_(R1)(−1), and the dimensions of this “−1” handle at the constriction E₂ are written A_(E2)(−1), B_(E2)(−1), and C_(E2)(−1). Under such conditions:

-   -   A_(E1)(−1)=A_(E1)−A′;     -   B_(E1)(−1)=B_(E1)−B′; and     -   C_(E1)(−1)=C_(E1)−C′         where:

A′ lies in the range 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably in the range 1 mm to 1.3 mm, and in particular is equal to 1.15 mm;

B′ lies in the range 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably in the range 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm, and in particular is equal to 1.0 mm; and

C′ lies in the range 0.25 mm to 1 mm, preferably in the range 0.55 mm to 0.75 mm, and in particular is equal to 0.65 mm.

Furthermore:

-   -   A_(R1)(−1)=A_(R1)−A′;     -   B_(R1)(−1)=B_(R1)−B′; and     -   C_(R1)(−1)=C_(R1)−C′.

And finally:

-   -   A_(E2) (−1)=A_(E2)−A′;     -   B_(E2)(−1)=B_(E2)−B′; and     -   C_(E2)(−1)=C_(E2)−C′.

In other words, the dimensions of size “−1” are linked to the dimensions of the standard size “0” in the three characteristic zones of the first bulb.

In general, if consideration is given to a handle of size “−i”, where i is greater than or equal to 1:

-   -   A_(E1)(−i)=A_(E1)−iA′;     -   B_(E1)(−i)=B_(E1)−iB′; and     -   C_(E1)(−i)=C_(E1)−C′.

Furthermore:

-   -   A_(R1)(−i)=A_(R1)−iA′;     -   B_(R1)(−i)=B_(R1)−iB′; and     -   C_(R1)(−i)=C_(R1)−C′.

And finally:

-   -   A_(E2) (−i)=A_(E2)−iA′;     -   B_(E2)(−i)=B_(E2)−iB′; and     -   C_(E2) (−i)=C_(E2)−iC′.

In analogous manner, handles of positive size, i.e. having transverse dimensions that are greater than those of the standard size mentioned above, likewise present a general shape involving two successive bulbs. For j greater than or equal to 1, the dimensions of a handle of size “+j” at the end constriction E₁ are written A_(E1)(+j), B_(E1)(+j), and C_(E1)(+j), the dimensions of said “+j” handle at the thickening R₁ are written A_(R1)(+j), B_(R1)(+j), and C_(R1)(+j), and its dimensions at the constriction E₂ are written A_(E2)(+j), B_(E2)(+j), and C_(E2)(+j)

Under such conditions:

-   -   A_(E1) (+j)=A_(E1)+jA′;     -   B_(E1)(+j)=B_(E1)+jB′; and     -   C_(E1)(+j)=C_(E1)+jC′.

Furthermore:

-   -   A_(R1)(+j)=A_(R1)+jA′;     -   B_(R1)(+j)=B_(R1)+jB′; and     -   C_(R1)(+j)=C_(R1)+jC′.

And finally:

-   -   A_(E2)(+j)=A_(E2)+jA′;     -   B_(E2)(+j)=B_(E2)+j′; and     -   C_(E2)(+j)=C_(E2)+jC′.

It should also be observed that for any value of i or of j greater than or equal to 1, the characteristic dimensions of a handle of size “−i” or “+j” at the second thickening R₂ are substantially identical to the dimensions at the first thickening R₁. Furthermore, the various dimensions of these handles, at the connection constriction E₃ are more or less equal to those presented by the handles at the end constriction E₁.

Finally, it is emphasized that for all values of i and j, the axial dimensions l₁ to l₃ of a handle of size “−i” or “+j” are identical to those mentioned above for the above-mentioned standard handle.

The invention enables the above-mentioned objects to be achieved.

Thus, the player can use the first bulb 10 for optimum grip on a racket in accordance with the invention to play a forehand shot. The second bulb, which is optional, may optionally be used by the player for a backhand shot, when playing the shot with both hands.

In addition, the fact that the handle of the invention presents a section that is octagonal at all points is advantageous. This enables the player to position the hands with precision, for the purpose of playing different shots.

Finally, the characteristic transverse dimensions of the handle of the invention have been found advantageous in terms of procuring player comfort and a firm grip. The handle of the invention makes it possible significantly to increase the quality of contact between the hand and the handle.

This procures greater power for identical effort, or requires less gripping effort for equivalent power. Sliding of the hand is diminished by using the handle in accordance with the invention. Finally, comfort and precision are improved by using the handle of the invention. 

1. A tennis racket handle having at least a first bulb defined by a first constriction or “end” constriction located towards the free end of the handle, a first thickening, and another constriction or “middle” constriction, said first bulb presenting a section that is octagonal at all points, being defined by a rectangle truncated by four chamfers oriented in particular at 45° relative to the size of said rectangle, the transverse dimensions of the first bulb increasing in substantially continuous manner from each constriction going towards the thickening, the transverse dimensions of the first bulb being as follows, where A and B are respectively the length and the width of said rectangle, and C is the length of each chamfer, A, B, and C being taken respectively at the first constriction, at the first thickening, and at the second constriction: A_(E1) lies in the range 31.25 mm to 33.25 mm; B_(E1) lies in the range 27 mm to 29 mm; C_(E1) lies in the range 8 mm to 14 mm; A_(R1) lies in the range 34.5 mm to 36.5 mm; B_(R1) lies in the range 30 mm to 32 mm; C_(R1) lies in the range 10 mm to 16 mm; A_(E2) lies in the range 30.5 mm to 32.5 mm; B_(E2) lies in the range 26.5 mm to 28.5 mm; and C_(E2) lies in the range 8 mm to 14 mm.
 2. A tennis racket handle according to claim 1, characterized in that: A_(E1) lies in the range 31.75 mm to 32.75 mm, advantageously in the range 32.15 mm to 32.35 mm, and in particular is equal to 32.25 mm; B_(E1) lies in the range 27.5 mm to 28.5 mm, advantageously in the range 27.9 mm to 28.1 mm, and in particular is equal to 28 mm; and C_(E1) lies in the range 9 mm to 13 mm, advantageously in the range 9.75 mm to 12.3 mm, and in particular is equal to 11 mm.
 3. A tennis racket handle according to claim 1, characterized in that: A_(R1) lies in the range 35 mm to 36 mm, advantageously in the range 35.4 mm to 35.6 mm, and in particular is equal to 35.5 mm; B_(R1) lies in the range 30.5 mm to 31.5 mm, advantageously in the range 30.9 mm to 31.1 mm, and in particular is equal to 31 mm; and C_(R1) lies in the range 11 mm to 14.75 mm, advantageously in the range 11.5 mm to 14.25 mm, and in particular is equal to 13 mm.
 4. A tennis racket handle according to claim 1, characterized in that: A_(E2) lies in the range 31 mm to 32 mm, advantageously in the range 31.4 mm to 31.6 mm, and in particular is equal to 31.5 mm; B_(E2) lies in the range 27 mm to 28 mm, advantageously in the range 27.4 mm to 27.6 mm, and in particular is equal to 27.5 mm; and C_(E2) lies in the range 9 mm to 13 mm, advantageously in the range 9.4 mm to 12 mm, and in particular is equal to 10.7 mm.
 5. A tennis racket handle according to claim 1, characterized in that the outside surface of said handle at each constriction and at the thickening defines three tangents parallel to the main axis of the handle.
 6. A tennis racket handle according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance measured along the main axis of the handle between the end constriction and the first thickening lies in the range 25 mm to 50 mm, preferably in the range 30 mm to 40 mm, more preferably in the range 34 mm to 36 mm, and in particular is equal to 35 mm.
 7. A tennis racket handle according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance taken along the main axis of the handle between the first thickening and the middle constriction lies in the range 35 mm to 60 mm, preferably in the range 45 mm to 55 mm, more preferably in the range 49 mm to 51 mm, and in particular is equal to 50 mm.
 8. A tennis racket handle according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle includes a second bulb defined by said middle constriction, a second thickening, and a connection constriction opposite from the end constriction, the second bulb presenting a cross-section that is octagonal at all points, of dimensions that vary substantially continuously from the middle constriction to the second thickening, the transverse dimensions of said handle, at the other thickening being identical to those of said handle at the first thickening.
 9. A tennis racket handle according to claim 8, characterized in that the distance measured along the main axis of the handle between the middle constriction and the second thickening lies in the range 20 mm to 70 mm, preferably in the range 40 mm to 50 mm, more preferably in the range 44 mm to 46 mm, and in particular is equal to 45 mm.
 10. A racket, in particular a tennis, badminton, or squash racket including a handle according to claim
 1. 11. A range of racket handles comprising a handle according to claim 1, referred to as a “standard” handle, together with n handle(s), where n is greater than or equal to 1, each presenting transverse dimensions smaller than those of said standard handle, and also at least m handle(s) where m is greater than or equal to 1, each presenting transverse dimensions greater than those of said standard handle, the transverse dimensions of each handle of smaller size being defined, for each integer −i in the range 1 to n, being defined by: A_(E1) (−i)=A_(E1)−iA′; B_(E1)(−i)=B_(E1)−iB′; C_(E1)(−i)=C_(E1)−iC′; A_(R1)(−i)=A_(R1)−iA′; B_(R1)(−i)=B_(R1)−iB′; C_(R1)(−i)=C_(R1)−iC′; A_(E2)(−i)=A_(E2)−iA′; B_(E2)(−i)=B_(E2)−iB′; and C_(E2)(−i)=C_(E2)−C′; and in which the transverse dimensions of each handle of greater size, for each integer j in the range 1 to m, are defined by: A_(E1)(+j)=A_(E1)+jA′; B_(E1)(+j)=B_(E1)+jB′; C_(E1)(+j)=C_(E1)+jC′; A_(R1)(+j)=A_(R1)+jA′; B_(R1)(+j)=B_(R1)+jB′; C_(R1)(+j)=C_(R1)+jC′; A_(E2)(+j)=A_(E2)+jA′; B_(E2)(+j)=B_(E2)+jB′; and C_(E2)(+j)=C_(E2)+jC′; where A′ and B′ lie in the range 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and where C′ lies in the range 0.25 mm to 1 mm.
 12. A range of handles according to the preceding claim 11, characterized in that: A′ lies in the range 1 mm to 1.3 mm, and in particular is equal to 1.15 mm; B′ lies in the range 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm, and in particular is equal to 1.0 mm; and C′ lies in the range 0.55 mm to 0.75 mm, and in particular is equal to 0.65 mm.
 13. A range of rackets, each having a corresponding handle, belonging to the range of handles in accordance with claim
 11. 